Published on: February 21, 2024
Entry or exterior doors are doors that hang on the outer walls of your home. These doors are usually ornate and beautiful as they are the first thing guests see as they walk into the home. They need to be tightly sealed and weatherproof to keep the elements out of the home and the home warm and dry.
There are many options to choose from when buying an entry door. They come in a variety of types, materials, shapes and sizes. If budget is not an issue, the homeowner has almost unlimited choices at their fingertips to truly make these doors their own. However, if budget is an issue, there are many cost-effective options to choose from that still give the homeowner a door that suits their home.
There are entire stores of options when it comes to choosing the perfect entry door. Entry doors come in all different types, materials, shapes, and sizes. Having all these options allows the homeowner to choose an entry door that perfectly fits their house, their neighborhood and their climate.
There are many different types or styles of doors to choose from. Here are some of the most popular options.
A standard single door simply has one door panel rather than two. It can be made from a variety of materials in a variety of sizes. Single doors can make a statement on a smaller house without looking out of place. They are also typically less expensive than double doors due to the fact that there is only one door being manufactured and installed.
Standard double doors are entry doors that have two door panels rather than one. Like the standard single doors, these can also be made from a variety of materials in a variety of sizes. These doors are perfect for large homes with big entryways. The double door panels keep the door from being lost in such cases. They do tend to be more expensive than the single doors but depending on what material it’s built from, homeowners can usually find one to fit their budget.
Unlike standard single and double doors, which swing open and shut on hinges, sliding glass doors slide left and right on a track. They are most commonly made from glass and homeowners tend to use them as doors for their patios or decks. A major perk of these doors is that they provide ample natural light. Some are even designed with blinds built into the glass to provide the homeowner with extra privacy.
Patio french doors also swing from hinges. They are typically made from many panes of glass held together in a wooden lattice. Like sliding glass doors, homeowners often choose patio french doors to lead out the back of their homes to a deck or patio. Patio french doors are a great option on historic homes as they add a lot of character and beauty to the home.
Entry doors are usually built from wood, fiberglass, steel or glass. Each of these is unique in its own way and requires different levels of care and upkeep from the homeowner. They also differ in terms of price.
Many homeowners choose entry doors made out of wood. Wooden doors are beautiful and can add charm and character to a home. They are very heavy and thick, which can provide the home with added security. Some drawbacks to wooden entry doors include the price and the upkeep. They are usually the most expensive option in terms of material. Once you buy and install the door, you’ll need to treat the wood every year or so to prevent warping and/or cracking.
Another common entry door material is fiberglass. Fiberglass is a plastic door that is reinforced with glass fibers. These doors have an insulated core and an outer polyurethane coating, which both contribute to the door’s efficiency and weatherproofing, making fiberglass doors an ideal choice for severe climates. Many homeowners who love the look of wood doors but don’t love the price and maintenance choose fiberglass since fiberglass doors can look like wood doors without the expense and upkeep. Although they aren’t the most expensive option on the market, they are one of the more expensive door choices a homeowner will find.
Steel doors are a great option for a homeowner shopping for an entry door due to their many benefits. Thanks to the way they are built, they are very energy efficient. They are low maintenance and provide the homeowner with excellent security. These doors are also greatly economical based on their energy efficiency and low price tag.
Glass doors are a popular option not only for front entry doors but also for patio entry doors. They can be made either from smaller pieces of glass in a grid or a larger piece of glass framed by some other material. They are a great option if the home has an entryway that isn’t well lit as they provide natural light. The glass doors aren’t great in terms of security but if made with frosted glass can provide a decent amount of privacy.
Many entry doors are rectangular shaped. However, many older homes have doors that are rounded at the top. They can also be more square shaped in the case of a standard double door.
Entry doors can come in many sizes. Standard single doors are usually the smallest options while standard double doors are usually the biggest. As long as the entry door meets or exceeds the minimum size stated by building codes, homeowners can choose whichever size door they like.
Many times the homeowner’s choice of entry door will be based on climate. Some materials are better suited for dry climates, some for wet climates. It is always good for the homeowner to be aware of their climate before choosing an entry door.
Due to the humid and moist nature of wet climates, the doors that are the most weatherproof perform best in these climates. The unstable nature of wood doors makes them a poor choice for wet climates. Steel doors are a better choice than wood but homeowners must be aware of their tendency to rust. Fiberglass doors are probably the best option for wet climates because they are stable and very weatherproof.
Homeowners who live in dry climates have the most options. Wood, fiberglass, steel and glass doors all do very well in dry climates.
Some homeowners live in climates that are severe or mountainous where the weather fluctuates from very cold to very hot frequently with high winds, lots of snow, or intense rainfall. These homeowners will do best to choose a fiberglass or steel door.
There is a lot of variation when it comes to the cost of entry doors. Homeowners can expect to spend anywhere from a few hundred to several grand on their entry door. The price is usually dependent on the size, style and material of the door. You can expect to pay up to $6,000 for your entry door.
Although it is possible for a homeowner to install an entry door, it is not recommended. There is a lot that goes into installation that could go wrong if the installer is not a professional. If you’re a homeowner and ready to get started installing your new entry door, give 2FL Windows, Siding and Roofing a call at 253-243-8377 or contact us online. Our team will help you choose the perfect entry door for you and your home.
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